Army court demands to know why proceedings closed

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DENVER — An Army appeals court stopped a key hearing Friday for three soldiers charged with killing an Iraqi general during an interrogation and ordered the military to explain why the proceedings had been closed to the public.

The Army Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay sought by The Denver Post on the second day of the hearing at Fort Carson, an Army post 70 miles south of here.

On Thursday, the hearing officer, Capt. Robert Ayers, closed all of the proceedings to the public, citing national security. He also said publicity might jeopardize the safety of the defendants, some of whom are assigned to military intelligence units.

The appeals court gave Ayers 10 days to show why non-classified parts of the hearing should not be open.

In all, four soldiers are charged with murder and dereliction of duty in the death of Iraqi Air Force Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush, who investigators say was suffocated last year. The soldiers could get life in prison without parole if convicted.

The hearing is being held to determine whether the soldiers should stand trial.